Sorry this took so long. I was determined to get Malec week done this year and I managed to get more than usual done so that's something.

Darkparadise994 asked if there was going to be a Gaston character and the answer is yes but also no. See my 'Gaston' isn't someone wanting Alec to love them. My 'Gaston' is Robert Lightwood and his 'Gaston' traits will be coming out a lot in this chapter and in others. I think you'll see why I chose him for the role in time.

Hope you enjoy and hope to hear what you thought of the chapter. All Your reviews have been making me so happy and it helps inspire me so thank you.

Ps. I think I forgot to mention before but this story also has Saphael (Simon x Raphael) Feels like a good opertunity to use that pairing.

Malec Tales Series 1: Nephilim and the Warlock (Beauty and the Beast AU)

Chapter 2: Take Me Instead

Alec Pov- "It's still so dark outside, why do missions always have to be so early," Jace whined, rubbing his eyes tiredly. Isabelle nodded in agreement, tiredly braiding her hair half-heartedly. I rolled my eyes before grabbing Isabelles hair and properly braiding it.

"This is your first mission without me so you need to be on guard and act responsible. If something goes wrong, make sure to send me a fire message right away and I will come help you. I don't care what dad says."

"Alec relax, will you? Isabelle and I can handle one little mission without you," Jace complained, rolling his eyes. Isabelle nodded, wrapping her platinum whip around her wrist. "I do wish we didn't have to go through the woods though. It's been raining a lot so I'm sure the woods are super muddy."

"You'll be taking horses so you won't have to walk through the mud. Please tell me you'll be careful while going through the woods and actually look at the map. Don't try to make your way through without it," I sighed.

They both nodded, rolling their eyes. "Alec, we know where we are going so just relax. We will be home in a couple days. You need to focus on training and not reading fictional books." "I will do whatever I want, thank you very much," I mumbled, crossing my arms.

They both laughed at me before climbing up on their horses. "You take care of yourself Alec. Don't be goofing around." This caused me to roll my eyes, "when do I ever goof around? Who do you think you're talking to?" He laughed shaking his head before leaving with Isabelle, heading for the woods.

I watched them go frowning, feeling like they were taking a part of me with them. How could my father do this to me? I've never stayed behind while they went on missions. We're a three-member team and it's always been that way.

Once they were out of sight I let out a sigh, turning around to head back inside, instead running into my father who was standing behind me. "You realize why I have to punish you like this right?" I frowned glancing away from him, not answering.

He let out a deep sigh before running his hand over his face. "Alec, just think about how you're making me feel. Everyone in town keeps asking me what's wrong with you. You won't get any marriage offers if everyone thinks you're crazy."

I scoffed at that, insulted. "I'm not crazy for reading about history." "It's not history Alexander. Vampires, werewolves, and all those other creatures you read about are just fairy tales. It's not right for Nephilim to indulge in fairy tales."

I shook my head, "no dad, I think they really were part of history. I read about a war between Nephilim and Downworlders. We are the ones who wronged them yet they are the ones who paid the price after the war. They were all wiped out and it's all our kinds fault."

My father's fierce angry blue eyes turned on me and I swallowed hard, keeping quiet. He grabbed me by the arm hard, forcing me to flinch a little in pain, and I forced myself to look up at him, meeting his eyes head on.

"Do not delude our ancestry with your idiotic stories. There was no war against Nephilim and these fake creatures. Now I want you to forget all about this nonsense and start focusing on other things. You are weeks away from getting a seat on the council. If you keep going on about these ridiculous stories, the Clave will find you unworthy and not give you a position. If you can't even get on the council, then you will never become Inquisitor."

Glaring up at him, I pulled my arm out of his grip. "I told you that I don't want to be a member of the council and I don't want to be inquisitor. I'm not meant to be a leader father." "You are a Lightwood and that means you have a place. Your place is in the council and becoming an inquisitor."

He turned around, walking away from me but stopped when I yelled, "I want more than this provincial life!"

He looked over his shoulder at me, seeming angry at my outburst. "Provincial? Your life is far from that Alexander. You are a Shadowhunter. There's no way your life could ever be provincial."

"It is. I'm tired of living among narrow minded people who only see what they want to see. You don't even want to consider the chance that there could be more out there. I don't want to stay in Idris for the rest of my life dad. I want to see the world and figure out its secrets. I don't want to be a leader to Nephilim because I know I'm not cut out for it."

"You will be inquisitor someday, end of discussion," he growled before walking away. I watched him go, glaring at his back until he was out of sight. Once I knew he was really gone, I turned away and made my way inside, going to take my stress out with training.

A couple hours later I snuck out of the house making my way to the Idris Archives. The Idris Archives were full of documents that kept record of Nephilim history. If there was anywhere to find proof Downworlders were real, it would be in there. If the journal is correct, and the Shadowhunters were the first to turn on the Downworlders, then maybe they would want to hide something like that from everyone.

I stopped in front of the archives door, surprised that it wasn't guarded. Usually there was at least one Shadowhunter standing by the door to make sure non-council members didn't try to get in. Seeing as I'm not a member of the council, I don't have access to the building.

That would be the only good that comes out of being a member of the council, having all the Claves documents at my fingertips. Honestly though, it's not worth everything else that comes with it. Giving into what my father wants is the last thing I will ever want.

"I don't know why the door is unguarded, but this may be the only chance I get to see the documents. It's worth the risk of getting caught."

Looking around to make sure the coast is clear, I started making my way to the door. The moment I reached for the knob though, flames appeared in front of my eyes. I backed up quickly, thinking it was a trap to guard the door but I calmed down when I saw paper appear in the flames.

Reaching out, I grabbed the paper looking around me before looking back down at it.

Alec, Isabelle and I are in trouble. We never made it to New York. Instead we found a castle in the middle of the woods and took shelter there. That wasn't a good idea, the owner put us in a dungeon and we have no way of getting out. You were right about everything so please come help us. You may be the only one who can.

"Castle? Dungeon? What does he mean I was right about everything?" I shook my head turning away from the archives. "That's not important right now. My Parabatai and sister are in trouble and I'm going to go save them."

I hurried back to my house, all thoughts of the Archives and Downworlders left behind. Nothing else mattered if Jace and Isabelle were in trouble. I made my way upstairs to my room and gathered all the things I thought would be useful into my satchel. Seraph Blades, a Witchlight, paper in case I needed to write a fire message myself.

Running to the door to leave, I stopped suddenly, feeling the pull of the journal hiding under my pillow. There was really no point in bringing it with me. It's not like it will help me in any way. Even so, I turned back and grabbed the book, putting it in my bag before heading out the door.

I made my way out of the house, going to the weapons shop that Jace's parents owned and lived in upstairs. If I could get something of Jace's, then I could track him easier through our Parabatai bond. The letter said that they were stuck in a castle in the middle of Idris. I have been in those woods hundreds of times and I've never seen a castle.

Stephan Herondale was standing at the cashier table smiling when I walked in. "Hey there Alec, it's been awhile since you've come in here." "I was here last week actually. Could I go up to Jace's room for a moment? He forgot his favorite jacket and wants me to send it to him somehow. Who knows how long he will be in New York."

Stephan nodded looking back at the newspaper that was sitting on the table. It always surprised me that Idris had a newspaper. It seemed like such a mundane thing. "Go right ahead. You know where his room is."

I nodded before making my way up the stairs to the living area. Once there I went to Jace's room to look for something useful to track with. To my surprise, Jace really did forget to take his favorite leather jacket. He never goes anywhere without that thing.

"Guess it's my lucky day. There's nothing more special to Jace than this jacket. It will make it all the easier to track him." His family ring is a close second, but he never takes that off so I'm sure that's with him.

"Jace, Isabelle, I'm coming for you," I whispered softly before leaving Jace's place and heading to the stables. I saddled up my horse, wondering where in the angels' name, a castle could be hiding in the woods. You'd think that would be noticeable at least to some people.

Grabbing the wrings of my horse, I led him outside where my father was waiting with his hands crossed over his chest, his face angry like always.

"Where do you think you're going Alexander?"

I glanced down at my bag wondering if I should show him the letter. It would be a mistake if I did. He would think I'm playing a trick on him and that I'm just sneaking away to be with Jace and Isabelle in New York.

"I'm taking my horse out for a walk is all. It's been awhile since he's had a chance to stretch his legs." He glanced down at the satchel strapped around me before bringing his gaze back to my eyes.

"What's in the bag?"

I pulled a few arrows out of the bag before holding up the bow that was strapped onto my horse. "I thought I would get in some target practice while I'm at it. Shooting an arrow on horseback isn't easy, so I could use all the practice I can get."

He pondered that for a moment before nodding, moving out of my way. "Try not to be out too late. The sun is starting to set and the woods can be dangerous in the dark." I nodded before setting my bow back on the saddle and climbing onto my horse.

"Don't worry dad, I won't be gone long." I really shouldn't make a promise like that with no guarantee I'll be returning. If Jace and Isabelle managed to get themselves locked up, then the one who locked them up must be strong. Then again, maybe Jace and Isabelle were just goofing off in someone else's territory and got in trouble for it.

Still, the letter sounded like they were in real danger. I shouldn't waist anymore time and focus on finding them.

I pulled out Jace's jacket and drew a tracking rune on it before holding it tight, using the Parabatai bond I have with Jace to make it even stronger. I glowed in my hand and as I closed my eyes, a trail zoomed passed my eyelids. A trail that after a little while, led to a castle.

"Don't worry guys, I'm coming to save you."

Magnus Pov- "Magnus, don't you maybe want to reconsider letting those teenagers go," my closest friend Tessa Gray asked softly. "They are just children. They obviously didn't know about the accords we signed long ago."

I sat in my chair in front of the fire place, staring into the green flames that were starting to dye down. Ragnor lit them hours ago when I walked in on those two trespassers. How dare those Nephilim just barge into my castle like they own the place. Do the accords mean nothing anymore?

Then again, Tessa may be right. About the Accords thing at least. From the frightened look on the blond boys' face when I used magic, he seemed to not know that Downworlders even existed. You can't follow accords that don't exist I guess. Just because they didn't remember them didn't mean I don't remember them.

"They had no right being on my property. Living the rest of their lives in my dungeon is a kind fate compared to what else I could have done to them."

Tessa made her way around my chair before she was in front of me. She sat down on the floor and put her hand on top of mine. Her touch was always so gentle, it made me remember the years long ago when I first met her. It was at the beginning of the war before everything went wrong.

"I know you have a hard time trusting people since the war, especially Nephilim. Not giving someone aid when they needed it is the reason we are all trapped in the castle. Maybe you should look inside your heart and find the sweet caring man you used to be?"

"That 'sweet caring man' watched as all the people he loved were slaughtered. The Nephilim were discreetly killing off warlocks and I warned everyone about it but no one wanted to listen. This entire war could have been avoided if people just listened to me!"

I pulled my hand out of hers before standing up and storming out of the room. Talking about the war always put me in a foul mood. The first thought that always comes to mind when talking about it was how Camille was murdered and turned to ash right in front of my eyes.

The two of us weren't together at the time, and honestly with all the times she's cheated on me with Woolsey, I should have been happy to see them killed. Still, Camille was my first real love and those feelings don't just go away.

I knew Shadowhunters hated us, I knew they threw our plates away when they thought we weren't looking, but I never thought they would turn on us the way they did. Sure, I knew it was a possibility but deep down I was hoping I was wrong. Seems I was far from it.

I made my way to the war wing, trying to calm myself down. I don't know why I bothered going there every time I needed calming, the war makes me anything but calm.

Everyone else was smart enough to avoid me after I locked the Nephilim away. Tessa of course has never really been afraid of me. I could be throwing glass and smashing tables against the wall and she would still come into the room telling me how idiotic I was being.

Simon was definitely on my shit list right now for even letting them pass the door. Raphael must be hiding him from me because I was searching for him a little while ago to scream his ear off and couldn't find him anywhere.

"Today just sucks," I sighed, running my hands over my face before looking toward the balcony. There sitting on the table, concealed in glass was the cursed glowing rainbow rock that has been haunting me every day for the past ninety-nine years.

The moment Asmodeus gave me that blasted Witchlight I could feel it's angelic power push down on me like a huge weight. The color has faded little by little with time but still had plenty of color left. If I had to estimate when it will turn white, it would be half a year.

That doesn't give me much time to fall in love. Why did it have to be specifically Nephilim? Why couldn't I just fall in love with anyone? There's no possible way I will ever fall in love with A Shadowhunter. Especially if my only choices are between the blonde idiot and the feisty girl.

I sighed going to my bed and sitting down, running my hands through my hair. I closed my eyes and when I did, familiar black hair and blue eyes filled my vision. My eyelids snapped open at the memory of one of the only Nephilim I've ever trusted.

His name was William Herondale and he was Tessa's Shadowhunter husband. Tessa may be a Warlock but she's also half Nephilim and didn't even know she was part warlock until before the war began. Because his wife was in danger, William did everything in his power to assist Downworlders in the war. Both him and his Parabatai James Carstairs. They were the only Shadowhunters I have ever and will ever trust.

It also didn't hurt that William had the blue eyes and black hair combo that I'm crazy about. If he was gay, I would have been all over that like cake. Sorry Tessa, I want what I want. It's sad that I will never have a chance to have my special blend.

There was a knock on my door making me growl low in my throat. "What is it? I don't want to be disturbed."

The door opened and Ragnor was standing there in all his green skinned glory. A part of me was disappointed that it wasn't Simon or Raphael. I was really itching to chew one of their heads off. Ragnor was the one who came and told me about the intruders so I can't be mad at him.

"What do you want Ragnor? Can't you see I'm busy brooding," I mumbled irritably.

"I'm sure you're doing a great job at it Magnus but I must inform you that there is another intruder in the castle. I believe he's allied with the ones from earlier and has come to rescue them."

I groaned rubbing my eyelids tiredly. Of course, one of them sent out a fire message for help. I thought it would be okay to leave them their steles since the bars are rune proof but I didn't take fire messaging into account. The question is though, why only send for one person? He could have contacted the Clave if he wished.

"Maybe he thought they wouldn't believe him," I answered myself before shaking my head. "I'm really getting tired of this Ragnor. Where in the castle is he located?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, his face blank but still a little concerned. If I had to take a guess, it was because he was worried about my reaction. "Simon Lewis was the first to find him. He hasn't made contact with the boy but he is leaving clues that's leading him to the tower. I imagine it will take him three more minutes to get there."

I yelled up to the ceiling feeling rage consume me. "I swear if that stupid vampire wasn't a daylighter, I would hold him out the window as the sun was rising and watch him burn nice and slow until he was nothing but ash!"

"You and I both know that you wouldn't have it in you to kill anyone in this house. They may annoy you but they are still your family. If we all followed our instincts to kill people who annoy us, I would have killed you centuries ago," Ragnor commented, shrugging.

"Gee Thanks," I sighed before shaking my head. "Simon is a child so I can't blame him for helping the Nephilim. He got turned soon after the war ended and the Accords were being agreed upon. He never saw the terror of war. Raphael has though and I expect him to know better."

"Actually, Raphael has been trying to convince him to stop helping the new intruder. Of course, telling Simon Lewis not to do something is close to impossible. Not even his boyfriend can stop him when it comes to his stubbornness."

"More like foolishness." I shook my head before heading to the door. "I'll take the secret staircase to the tower and get there before the intruder. Luckily, I have an extra cell with his name on it."

I grabbed a torch hanging in the hallway, making the wall open and a hidden staircase appear. I started making my way up it, Ragnor following behind me. "You know I hate to agree with that brat Simon on anything, but maybe you should listen to him just this once. There are three Nephilim here and the likelihood of that happening again are slim. This could be the only chance to break the curse."

I stopped a step ahead of him, turning back to stare at him in disbelief. "Are you kidding me? I never would expect this from you Ragnor."

He shrugged. "Well excuse me Magnus but I would like to keep my soul. I want to leave this castle and see how much the world has changed without us. Don't you want the same?"

"Of course, I do! You don't think I'm tired of looking at these same walls every day for almost a thousand years? At least you could leave and see the world before the curse. I have been trapped here making sure our kind were really safe from any Nephilim threats."

Ragnor frowned at that. "If you weren't so paranoid that the Nephilim would go back on the accords, maybe you would have been able to leave."

The Accords gave us a small list of places we were allowed to go. I didn't trust that the Nephilim wouldn't attack us once we got to those places; or worse, they would attack the castle and whoever was inside the moment I was gone.

"Just consider this new Shadowhunter as an option. Try not to be too picky and actually give it a chance. I know, how about when we get to the tower we stay in the shadows for a little bit? We'll watch the intruder for a while and decide if they're worth trying with? How does that sound?"

I thought about it, wanting to object right away but sadly, Ragnor was right. There was barely half a year left before the Witchlight would turn white. If I don't fall in love with a Shadowhunter by then, I and all my friends lose our souls. Everything I've done to protect them will have been for nothing.

"Fine. I will stay in the shadows and watch the Shadowhunter for a little bit. I can't promise that I'll like them though," I mumbled, going up the rest of the stairs. Ragnor smiled slightly, following me. "All I ask is that you try."

We made our way to the top of the tower and I put out the torch before silently moving into the shadows. Ragnor stayed next to me, looking around the room for the intruder. "Seems we got here before he did," he whispered.

The tower door opened and we both went silent, watching as a cloaked figure holding a lit torch walked in the room. Their hood was up so I couldn't see their face. From the form of their shoulders though, it was safe to say they were male.

"Jace, Isabelle, are you in here," He asked.

I had to admit he had a nice voice. It was a little husky yet smooth. I wouldn't mind listening to that voice every day. Haven't even seen his face and I'm already liking him. Him being Nephilim outweighs his sexy voice unfortunately.

"Alec? Alec we're over here," the blond yelled. I'm guessing he's the one named Jace. He didn't really look like an Isabelle.

The boy ran over to the cell, dropping to his knees and setting the torch on the floor. The torch made a little light reflect off his face but I still could only see his chin and mouth. He had nice lips. Full and kissable. Way better than Jace's mouth which didn't seem to know how to shut up.

The girl reached through the bars, taking the boys hand, squeezing it. "Alec, you have to get us out of here. This isn't just any castle. It's magic!"

"What do you mean by magic," the boy asked before shaking his head. "Never mind that. I have to find a way to get you out of here."

He pulled his bag close to him, rummaging through it until he pulled out his stele. Of course, the stele is the first thing all Nephilim grab for. Seems that hasn't changed.

He went to put it to the bars but Jace put his hand over his stele, stopping him. "It won't work Alec. These bars are rune proof. So are the walls. There's no way to make an unlocking rune."

Alec pursed his lips in thought before grabbing the edge of his hood, pulling it down and revealing his full face. He had a look of concentration on his face. His piercing blue eyes focused on the bars.

I took in a sharp breath at the sight of him. For a moment, I thought I was looking at William Herondale. That was impossible though. Tessa and I both watched the Clave murder him right in front of our eyes. Besides, this boy was clearly named Alec, not Will.

He may have looked like Will at first glance but once I took the time to actually look at him, I noticed huge differences. Unlike Will, this boy seemed to have innocence to him. His blue eyes were defiantly fierce but they also held gentleness.

"He has the blue eyes and black hair that you used to gush about. Is that still your fetish," Ragnor asked making me glare at him. "I wouldn't call it a fetish. It's more of a preference."

Thinking, I looked at the boy again wondering if I've watched him long enough. "Time to put on a show," I mumbled before coming out of the shadows. Ragnor stayed in place, watching silently.

Alec grabbed the torch, standing up and looking around the room for something to help him out. When he turned around he came face to face with me, causing him to drop the torch in surprise. The coldness of the floor extinguished the flame making the room dark once again.

"Who's there," he asked looking around in the dark. He couldn't see me but I could see him clearly with my cat eyes. They allowed me to see in the dark. He was trying to look unafraid but his blue eyes told me everything. He was secretly terrified of the unknown.

I must admit, it was kind of cute.

"Answer me," he yelled, his voice strong and fearless. You would have never guessed that he was scared right now. The making a of true warrior I see. Let's hope he isn't like the rest of them.

"You're trespassing on my grounds Shadowhunter. It seems your kind no longer has respect for others property."

He frowned at my voice, looking ahead at me since talking to him gave away where I was standing. "I came for my sister and Parabatai. I'm sorry they intruded on your castle but I'm sure there was a good reason."

"They got lost in the woods and stuck in the rain," I answered simply.

"Well I think that's a good enough reason. They were just trying to find shelter from the rain. They didn't mean any harm so can you please let them go?"

"Sorry but that's not really an option. What will that say about me if I just let my prisoners go without learning their lesson? Life in this cell seems like a reasonable punishment to me."

I turned my back to him wondering how I should trap him here. I could just lock him up for also trespassing on my lands but something tells me that wouldn't make him love me. Honestly, I still don't even know if I can make myself love him.

"So, all you want is a prisoner to pay for what they did," he asked, perking my interest. I turned back to him crossing my arms over my chest. "That's right. They need to be punished and I intend to carry out that punishment for as long as possible."

Alec bit his lip before looking down at his shoes, thinking hard about something. I watched him wondering what he was planning. Was he going to try to leave and bring reinforcements? That wouldn't be a smart move on his part. I would stop him before he even got to the tower door.

The storm clouds moved in the sky, uncovering the full moon, making it's light shine inside the tower. Alec was surrounded by the light but I was still hidden in the shadows so he still couldn't see me.

He looked up back from his feet, his intense blue eyes back in my direction. The fear that I detected before was no longer there. Now, all I saw was determination. That, combined with the light of the moon sent shivers down my spine. This boy truly was beautiful.

"Take me instead," he declared making everyone in the room look at him in complete shock. Even I was looking at him like he was crazy. I was expecting to trick him into staying here somehow but I never thought he would volunteer. Who in their right mind would do that?

"Alec no! You can't stay here forever, you need to become Inquisitor," Jace yelled, grabbing the bars so tight, his knuckles turned white. The mention of being Inquisitor made the blue-eyed beauty tense up slightly.

"I'm not fit to have the role anyway. You both are better Shadowhunters than me. We can't afford to lose you so I will sacrifice myself on your behalf."

"Alec, you don't understand!" The girl, I'm guessing is Isabelle, yelled. "This man is a monster! Who knows what he will do to you if you're his prisoner!"

Being called a monster was insulting but it wasn't anything I wasn't used to. Nephilim used to call me a monster every chance they got during the war. I wouldn't expect that to change after a thousand years.

Alec looked at them before looking back at me questioningly. Guess it's time to show him what he's offering to spend the rest of his life with.

I stepped into the moonlight, smirking down at the shorter man as he took me in with his eyes. A blush appeared on his cheeks when he looked at my chest and torso. As his eyes drifted up, his eyes meeting my own, his flush vanished and was replaced with a pale, terrified face.

I'm sure seeing a man with cat eyes was a lot to take in when you first see it. The terror in his eyes though stung a bit. He blushed first though, so there was still a tiny shred of hope.

I crossed my arms again, still smirking at him. "Do you still wish to take their place?

I was expecting him to back away in fright and start begging to take back what he said. That's what any sane person would have done when faces with a powerful being such as myself. To my surprise though, he didn't back away.

He looked back down at his feet, swallowing hard and clenching his fists. He was scared, you could tell by his tense body language. All he wanted was to turn around and run from me. Licking his dry, cracked lips, he looked back up at me, once again having determined eyes.

This boys' emotions were like a light switch. They turned on and off in seconds without any warning. It was charming in a weird way.

"Yes. If you promise to let my sister and Parabatai go, then I swear to take their place. I'll stay here for the rest of my life if that's what you wish. Just please let them leave."

"Alec no," Jace yelled but I ignored him.

"How will they learn their lesson if you're the one learning it for them," I asked, not wanting to agree so soon. I wanted to see how dedicated he was to them.

"They will lose me. That's how they will learn their lesson. My sister will live without her big brother and Jace will no longer have his Parabatai at his side."

That did seem like a good punishment. They still learn their lesson and I get to keep blue eyes. It's a win, win for me.

Thinking it over a moment more, I looked over at Ragnor saying "prepare a portal." Ragnor nodded turning to the wall he was standing by and getting started. I waited for the green magic hole to appear before making my way passed, Alec and to the cell. I used magic to unlock it before picking Isabelle up over my shoulder and grabbing Jace by his arm, dragging him out of the cell.

Alec seemed mesmerized by the portal at first but the moment I took his loved ones out of the cell, he tried to walk up to them to say goodbye. I swished my wrist, making a magical barrier appear in front of him, keeping him separated from them.

He backed up in surprise when the barrier appeared and as I stepped in front of the portal, he slammed his hands against it hard. "What are you doing to them!?" He yelled terrified for them. I looked back at him over my shoulder. "I'm using a portal to send them to New York. That's where they were originally headed, correct?"

Alec slammed his fists against the magic wall again, sadness taking over his features. "Let me say goodbye! I'm never going to see them again! The least you can do is let me tell them goodbye!"

Jace struggled in my grip, trying to get away from me but is was useless. I was using magic to keep him still. Isabelle kicked and thrashed on my shoulder, punching me in the back as if it was supposed to hurt. It didn't.

"Sorry, but none of you are going to get any goodbyes."

Jace gritted his teeth, glaring up at me before looking back at Alec. "We'll come back for you alright? I swear to the angel that we will save you!"

I rolled my eyes, finding his declaration irritating. "Good luck with that," I grumbled before throwing them both in the portal. Alec screamed their names as they went through and the moment the portal vanished, he fell to his knees. He looked down at the stone floor, his fists clenched tightly.

"You couldn't give me a minute to say goodbye to them? They're the most important people in my life and you didn't even let me say goodbye." He glared up at me, tears stinging at the corner of his eyes.

"You really are a monster," he seethed.

I let his words roll off my back like all the others. He was in a state of shock and heartache so I can't really blame him for name calling. Still, him saying that doesn't make him any different from the other Nephilim.

"You can think what you like about me. It doesn't really matter." Actually, it did matter. It mattered a lot. This Shadowhunter sitting at my feet was our last hope to stay alive. If I couldn't fall in love with him… then there's no one I could fall for.

"We should give him a proper room," Simons whispering voice lingered into my ear. I turned my head and sure enough, he was standing there with a big smile on his face. I couldn't decide on wither I wanted to strangle him for helping the intruders earlier, or thank him for leading this sexy blue-eyed hunk to them.

"He's a prisoner. Why would I give him his own room?"

Simon rolled his eyes as if the answer was obvious. "Do you really think he will learn to like you if he's always in a cell? Unless he comes down with Stockholm Syndrome, I don't think he will love you if he's locked away."

"Sadly, I must agree with Simon on this one Magnus," Ragnor agreed, walking up to us. We were all talking in hushed voices so Alec wouldn't be able to hear us. "Instead of treating this one like a prisoner, may I suggest treating him like a guest. Give him his own room and give him places to explore. Once he's comfortable here, then he might learn to be comfortable with you."

I thought about that for a moment before looking back at Alec. He was once again looking at the floor, his blue eyes hidden behind his shaggy black hair.

"… get up. I'll show you to your room," I sighed, grabbing a new torch and lighting it.

Alec looked up from the floor in confusion. "What do you mean 'my room'? I thought I was here to take their place? You said they were going to live in these cells for the rest of their lives so shouldn't I do the same?"

I watched him for a moment, wondering if he was crazy. Here I am, offering him a nice comfy room and he suggests staying in the cell? He's taking this 'being my prisoner' thing too seriously.

I shrugged, walking toward the tower door Alec used before. "That's fine with me. I was thinking that you did a noble thing so I would treat you a little better than I treated them. If you insist on staying in the tower then by all means; stay up here."

I started going down the stairs and both Ragnor and Simon followed me frowning. "Are you really going to make him stay up here," Simon asked, looking back frowning. I rolled my eyes at him before looking ahead again.

"Just give it a second. He'll follow us soon enough."

Not even three seconds after I said that, I could hear Alec's quick steps coming down the stone steps. I stopped and looked back, waiting for him to catch up. When he did catch up, he had to grab onto the wall to stop himself from running into us. He seemed surprised that we were waiting for him.

"I thought you would see things my way," I chided, smirking at him. His blue eyes turned intense as he glared at me but he didn't say a word. We made our way off the stairs and in the hallway leading to the rooms. I can't believe I'm giving a Shadowhunter his own room in my castle.

An elbow went into my side and I glared at who did it, not even surprised that it was Simon. I swear, he's pushing his luck with me today. "What?" I snapped in a harsh whisper. He rolled his eyes at me before nudging his head toward the Nephilim who was once again looking at the floor.

"Make conversation with him. Find out his likes, his dislikes. Get to know him and earn his trust."

Ragnor rolled his eyes at that. "Sure, Magnus just tore him from his family forever and took him as a prisoner, but let's ask him what his favorite color is and what he likes to do on his spare time. We don't need to rush this Simon. Give the boy time to get adjusted."

I looked between them both before looking back at Alec once again. When I saw he was no longer walking with us, I stopped instantly, making Ragnor and Simon run into me. "What the hell Magnus?" Simon complained.

"The Nephilim is gone," I hissed before quickly turning around and heading back where we came. Was he going to sneak out of here and break his vow? That was so much like Nephilim, making promises and not keeping them.

To my surprise, when I found him, he wasn't trying to run away anywhere. He was standing by the staircase to the War Wing, looking up at the painting hanging up on the wall once the stairs end. It was a huge, wide painting of a swarm of Nephilim, overpowering only a handful of Downworlders.

Glaring, I made my way over to him and grabbing him by the wrist, yanking him hard and making him flinch in surprise. He looked up at me meeting my eyes as I kept glaring darkly at him. "You are not allowed up there. If I see or hear that you went there, I will kill you. Do you hear me?" I hissed coldly.

Alec stared at me in silent for a moment before glaring back at me and taring his arm out of my grip. I gestured for him to go in front of me this time and he started walking, crossing his arms over his chest while he did so.

Once we finally got to the bedroom wing, we stopped in front of the door and I opened it for him. He walked in, glancing around at the queen-sized bed, floor to ceiling windows, and wardrobe that made up the room.

The faint sound of a stomach growling hit my ears and after a moment, I realized it was coming from Alec. My suspicion was confirmed when he wrapped his arms around his waist frowning.

Simon smiled from ear to ear, delighted by Alec's hunger for some reason. He looked at me whispering, "He's hungry. You should invite him to have dinner with you."

This boy hasn't said a word to me since we left the tower. If he was giving me the cold shoulder, then dinner would just be long and awkward. Even so, I needed to get the ball rolling if there was any chance I could fall for this guy.

"You must be hungry. Dinner will be done in fifteen minutes. You should join me," I offered watching him.

He turned to me, looking as if I was crazy before he glared once again. Those blue eyes weren't as cute when they were always glaring.

"I rather die of starvation then eat with the likes of you," he seethed.

A pang hit in my chest and I could feel anger boiling up inside me. Here's another Nephilim who think's their too good for me. Is the thought of eating dinner with a warlock really that disgusting? It's not like I'm going to poison him!

"Is that so? Well if it's starving you want, then it's starving you'll get." I turned to Simon and Ragnor glaring. "You heard him. He wants to starve to death. Make sure everyone knows that he is not to be fed unless he eats with me. If I find out that any of you have given him even a crumb of food, you'll be punished. Am I understood?"

Simon frowned at me, looking sad and Ragnor just nodded, his expression blank as always. I turned back to Alec smirking. "If you want to do this the hard way then let it be. I hope you know that I never lose. I could make your life a living hell if I wanted to."

With that I turned and walked out of the room, leaving the Nephilim and his angry blue eyes alone to starve.

Let the battle begin! I wonder who will fall first? Who do you think will win the award for most stubborn?